OT: Digital SLR Purchase Advice Needed

[jdbox]

I know there's alot of great photographers out there in this community. I am looking for advice on buying a good versatile DSLR that will last me for awhile.

I am not a professional but have some SLR camera experience. I'll mostly be taking everyday stuff like kids, family, outdoors, etc.

Some of the models I have been considering are the Nikon D5100, Canon EOS 60D, or the Canon Rebel T2i.

If you have experience with these or other cameras, or any other advice, your comments are appreciated.

Also, any recommendations on digital photography blogs or websites would be nice.

Thanks!

 

[pookstreet]

I am only familiar with Canons so I can't comment on Nikons. Bought the 60D a few months back and absolutely love it. Was comparing it to the T3i but decided to get the bigger body because it just feels better in my hands. Some of the added features didn't hurt either. It was a bit pricier but well worth it.

 

[gps]

Ti3 is a good camera is budget a consderation; if you can afford the 60D then go for that one.

Good photography is about understanding of basic controls for light, i.e., the relationship among exposure time, aperature, and ISO. Having a good camera body helps but it's more effective if you invest on the lense instead....

 

[glaudds]

Also, any recommendations on digital photography blogs or websites would be nice.

Thanks!

Lots of info here...
http://www.dpreview.com/

 

[Kenfuzed]

I've been looking at the Nikon D5100 as well, just haven't pulled the trigger. Also considered the D3100 and spending more on lenses. I'm not real familiar with Canon's.

 

[MrSandman]

The 60D is a pretty nice camera but if it were me, I'd spend the money on the glass. The body can and will always be upgraded but the lenses will be carried over as you progress in the hobby. What lenses are you looking to buy? What's your budget?

 

[Dino]

The 60D is a pretty nice camera but if it were me, I'd spend the money on the glass. The body can and will always be upgraded but the lenses will be carried over as you progress in the hobby. What lenses are you looking to buy? What's your budget?

^This.

Glass is going to be your long term investment and is what will impact your image quality the most. Any body on the market today is fully capable of great IQ if good glass is put on the front of it.

As far as which body. Take a trip to your local camera store (or several if you have them) and actually pick up and feel each individual one you're interested in and find the one that is most comfortable to you. You may find one or two on your list are easily cut because they're simply not comfortable for you to use. Some people like the button layout better of one model over the other, or the weight, or the size. It really is an individual thing. You can buy a $7,000 body but its no better than the $1,000 one if its not comfortable for you to use. There really are no "bad" bodies on the market. After you find the ones that are comfortable for you you can worry about separating them based on price/wanted features. Don't overlook older (used) bodies either, just because they're not the latest on the showroom floor doesn't mean they are any less capable. Used can come at a huge savings which gives you more to invest in the critical part - good glass.

If you don't know already, we do have a photography forum here too.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=118

 

[jdbox]

Thanks for advice.

As far as lenses goes, I would most likely buy the body with the lenses as a package- some of the lens possibilities are:

Nikon: 55-300mm Nikkor AF-S DX VR Lens

or

Canon: EF-S 18-200mm IS lens (3.5 -5.6)

I have seen both new and used body with lenses complete for around $1000 or less.

 

[Bui]

Like Dino say, most DSLR body should do a great job. I wouldn't invest in too much money on the camera body, I would even consider buying a used one. They drop in price all the time...a good quality lense on the hand never drop in price by much.